Middlesbrough Q&A: Why doesn’t Neil Warnock have the striker he wants after two transfer windows and do Boro have a mentality issue?

Boro conceded three times in the first half as Famara Diedhiou bagged a brace and Nahki Wells added a third.

Dael Fry pulled one back for the hosts ten minutes from time but it was far too little too late.

We take a closer look at some of the big questions and talking points as Neil Warnock’s side prepare for Saturday’s meeting with Cardiff:

Why doesn’t Warnock have the strikers he wants after two transfer windows?

Warnock didn’t hold back when talking about his forward players after the Bristol City defeat, saying they were a ‘waste of time’ in the first half.

Warnock clearly doesn’t have the type of striker he wants to lead the line – a player who can hold the ball up, is good in the air and can physically compete with opposition centre-backs.

Diedhiou certainly fits that description and was linked with Boro in January – although Warnock has said he doesn’t feel a move was ever close.

At the start of the season, Warnock wanted to sign Kieffer Moore before the towering frontman joined Cardiff.

Britt Assombalonga and Chuba Akpom, whose summer arrival is becoming more confusing each week, don’t possess the same type of qualities and clearly Warnock has lost some faith in the pair.

Ashley Fletcher is more accustomed to play the role his manager wants but was forced off with an injury against Bristol City.

It’s a key area that Warnock hasn’t been able to address and will look to do so when the window reopens.

How can Boro play so well against Reading and so poorly against Bristol City?

Warnock will be asking himself the same question.

It’s concerning that Boro have now lost five of their last six home games, and I do think there is a bit of a mentality issue when they go into matches as favourites.

When Boro have gone to places like Reading and Norwich, they’ve been content to concede possession but be well organised and resilient at the back.

Yet against teams like Rotherham and Bristol City, who have been struggling, the Teessiders have attempted to be more positive while trying to break the opposition down.

That has left Boro exposed at the back when their full-backs have pushed forward, while Warnock’s side have also struggled against teams who have played with two strikers – like Bristol City, Derby and Rotherham.

How many changes should Warnock make against Cardiff?

That will depend on who is available and it seems unlikely Fletcher will feature due to his injury.

Could that provide another chance for Assombalonga or Akpom? Maybe, although Warnock has been known to throw a curveball and play a wide player through the middle.

Cardiff play with a 3-5-2 system so I’d expect Warnock to stick with a back three and wing-backs to match the Bluebirds up.

There will probably be a few changes, maybe the likes of George Saville and Marvin Johnson will come back in, yet we’ve known all season the squad is thin.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Middlesbrough coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor